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Aside from loving the feeling of a fresh, makeup-free face, one of the reasons I remove my makeup at night is because my eyes and skin areextremelysensitive (blemishes, dry spots, and eye irritations are not uncommon). As many of you already know, finding the perfect cleanser or remover can be far from an easy task…until now, that is. EnterGarnier Clean+ Makeup Removing Lotion Cleanser: a product that is extremely gentle, but impressively effective at dissolving all traces of makeup and impurities (including waterproof mascara!). The formula is infused with the Moringa seed and plant extracts, and is fragrance, alcohol, dye, and oil free. It is also dermatologist, allergy, and ophthalmologist tested, making it well-suited to sensitive skin.

I was given the opportunity* to test this product out, and was excited to see it work its magic. The instructions state to apply the product directly to dry skin with your fingers and gently massage. To remove, simply wipe away with a cotton pad, or rinse clean with water. I first tested this product out on a day where I had on a full face of makeup (including waterproof mascara and eyeliner, and a lip stain). Truthfully, I was a little skeptical that a lotion, especially an oil free one, would effectively be able to break down the long-wearing makeup formulas I had on that day. So, I applied as per the instructions on the bottle, gently massaging the lotion and focusing extra attention to my eye area. I was especially excited when the “sting” in my eyes I normally get with other eye-makeup removers never came! I washed the product off with warm water, looked in the mirror, and my makeup was completely gone. Even better, the product left my face feeling like I had just applied moisturizer: soft, calm, clean, and refreshed. I also tried using this product with a cotton pad, as per the second recommended method, and found it worked just as well (see the picture below, where I removed waterproof liner and a lip stain from my hand).

A lip stain and waterproof liner are easily removed.

Because this lotion works to remove not only makeup, but also the various impurities that collect on your skin, you are able to use it morning and night. Additionally, you’ll continue to see and feel the benefits of using this product over time as you continue to use it (I did!). I’m excited to have found this product, and consider it a permanent addition to my beauty regime. I’d definitely recommend trying this product out…your skin (and eyes) will thank you (and don’t forget to let me know what you think in the comments below)!

*Product has been provided by Garnier Canada, the opinions and language are my own, and in no way do they reflect Garnier Canada.

It’s happened to the best of us: we hop on the “hype” train when a new product comes out, only to discover it really wasn’t worth the trip in the first place. Bummer. For drugstore products, you usually have to bite the bullet and pass them on to a friend (or a garbage can), and, so long as you’ve purchased those higher-priced items at Sephora, you’re in the good hands of a solid customer return policy. The following are items I regret buying, as well as those I recommend you spend your hard-earned dollars on instead.

1. First Aid Beauty Dual Repair Eye Cream $50.00

When purchasing this product, I’d already become a big fan of First Aid Beauty’s “Facial Radiance Polish” and “Daily Face Cream“, so I was disappointed to discover that this eye cream did nothing for me (especially at such a high price point). It didn’t moisturize or calm my skin, (in fact, I actually had a reaction to it). In it’s place, I’d recommend Jurlique’s “Herbal Recovery Eye Cream”, that gently hydrates and smells amazing.

2. Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real Remover $22.00

They’re Real Mascara is my an all-time favourite of mine (I posted about it previously here), and I was thrilled to discover that Benefit had come up with a solution to the sometimes-hard-to-remove holy-grail mascara. I wanted so badly to love this product as much as I love the mascara, but sadly, all it did was burn and sting my eyes, and barely removed the mascara at all. There are two products I’d recommend in this remover’s place: 1.Clinique’s “Wash-Away Gel Cleanser”, and 2.The Body Shop’s “Camomile Gentle Eye Makeup Remover”. Both of these remove makeup like a pro, and have been longtime favourites of mine.

To be fair, the idea behind this blush is adorable: “Infused with our Happy Boost Blend, featuring Happy Skin and Euphoryl, natural plant extracts which have been shown to promote a feeling of happiness by mimicking the effect of Endorphins and helping protect the skin from environmental stress. The sweet scent of Violet provides a feeling of joy each time you apply!” (Well.ca). The packaging is cute, the colours in the mix are pretty, and the payoff is good, I just can’t say this blush made me any “happier” than others I own. For drugstore makeup, it’s also on the higher-priced side, and I think there are others you can buy that will make you just as…happy. For example, the Hard Candy boxed blushes I talked about herefor a fraction of the price.

4. Essie Sleek Sticks Nail Appliques $12.99

It’s no secret that Essie is a front-runner in the nail polish industry, so I assumed their nail stickers would be equally as impressive. Wrong. The application was fast and easy, but within less than 24 hours of wear there were chips on almost all of my nails. As I have many times before, I highly recommend purchasing the Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips. These are the only strips I’ve found that live up to the “long-wear” claims (mine really do last upwards of 10 days).

What products do you regret buying? Let me know in the comments below!